Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Dec 12: Chess prodigy Aaron Reeve Mendes, once again outshined with a spectacular performance at the ‘American Continental - Fide Online World U10 Rapid Championship’ held from December 2 to 4. As many as 28 countries took part in the event wherein Aaron tied for the first position and bagged second in the tie breaker scoring 6 on 7. He is now entitled to participate in the ‘Fide Online World U10 Rapid Championship’.
Aaron Reeve Mendes was born in 2012. Though Aaron was selected to play major under-8 world in world tournaments scheduled in various countries, it got cancelled due to Covid-19 pandemic. And he had to take part in the higher age category of under-10, as FIDE under-8 Rapid Championship age category was cancelled.
Aaron at Ontario Youth Chess Championship (OYCC) held in Kitchener, Canada
Aaron at Canadian Youth Chess Championship (CYCC) held in Saskatchewan, Canada
Aaron at North American Youth Chess Championship (NAYCC) held in Kingston, Canada
Aaron at 12th Chennai Open International Grandmaster Chess Tournament 2020 held in Chennai
Aaron at the Pro Chess 1st Fide International Rating Open Blitz Chess tournament’ held in Kerela
Aaron with Sr Melissa
Aaron practicing at Derik Chess School
Aaron with Derik Sir and Prasanna Sir
Aaron with Nirmal Sir
Aaron with Hermon Sir
Aaron with Arvind Shashtry Sir
Aaron with GM Stany GA
His victory in the ‘The American Selection’ qualified him to be the only player to represent Canada in the under-10 age category for the upcoming prestigious ‘Fide Online World U10 Rapid Championship’.
As a 5-year-old, Aaron developed interest in chess. He was trained at Derik's Chess School, Mangaluru, under the able guidance of his mentors Prasanna Rao and Derik Pinto.
His coach Hermon Saldanha and Sharan Rao have spent sleepless nights guiding, training, strategizing, and preparing him during most of his tournaments. Hermon Saldanha has selflessly trained Aaron and made him learn from each game.
Moreover, Aaron was also trained as a chess player under GM Stany G A from Shivmoga. GM Stany has given special attention and time to train Aaron. His guidance, maturity, care, love has made Aaron to be successful chess player.
Aaron was also trained under Sri Aravind Shastry, a finest coach in chess, and especially in the end games.
Coach Nirmal and GM Srinath Narayanan from Creative Chess Academy also helped Aaron to not only learn and excel in all the basics of the game but more importantly, they ensured that Aaron develops good critical thinking abilities.
Many chess players have supported Aaron include FM Gahaan MG who spent his valuable time in preparing Aaron for this tournament, Kishan Gangoli, Augustin, Prashanth Naik, Andrea D’Souza, Shabdhik Varma, Dhrikshu Vasant and Babu.
Few key performances of Aaron through his journey towards ‘The American Selection’
In 2019 May, Aaron took part in the Ontario Youth Chess Championship (OYCC) held in Kitchener, Canada. He was the 1st runner up winning four out of five matches.
In 2019 July, Aaron won five out of seven matches in the under-8 age category and shared a 3rd tie position in the National level under-8 Canadian Youth Chess Championship (CYCC) held in Saskatchewan, Canada.
In 2019 August, Aaron secured 2nd place in the North American Youth Chess Championship (NAYCC), held in Kingston, Canada. This international tournament was played between Canada, United States, Mexico and Bahamas.
In 2020 January, he bagged the 1st prize in ‘1200 and below’ category in the ‘12th Chennai Open International Grandmaster Chess Tournament 2020’, held in Chennai.
In February 2020, in the ‘Pro Chess 1st Fide International Rating Open Blitz Chess tournament’, Aaron ranked 1st in the ‘Below 1500 category’.
In July 2020, in ‘Best Under-8 player’ in the 16th Sundays with Unity Online International Blitz tournament, Aaron ranked first.
Aaron ranked 3rd in the ‘Shri Manohar Parrikar International Open Online Blitz Chess tournament 2020-Category C (Below 1600 category) and ranked 1st in Under-12 category that was held in September 2020.
In the Canadian National Youth Active Online Chess Championships Aaron ranked 3rd in Under-10 category which was held in November 2020 and was nominated to play ‘The American Continental Selection’.
The Canadian Chess Federation immensely supported Aaron and gave him an opportunity to participate in major tournaments. Another vital personality is Sr Melissa, the principal of Mount Carmel School, who played a major role in Aaron's journey through her constant encouragement and motivation. Chess, undoubtedly a mind game requiring strong memory and concentration makes yoga a part of the game for which Dr Vinaya Poornima and Sri Rajaram have trained Aaron in yoga and meditation.
Above all, his personal dedication and hard work has yielded his achievements under the guidance of his mentors and support from his family.
The final ‘Fide Online World U10 Rapid Championship’ which is scheduled to be held between December 19 and 22, will witness only top 16 players from across the globe. It is a moment of pride as Aaron shines globally making his way to the championship.